Onondaga Central
This Christmas will certainly be different. The Tiger Prowl sent out a poll to high school staff and students to fill out reminiscing on past Christmas memories, the Christmas season we are celebrating now and the Christmas Eve and day celebrations to come. Here is what they said:
Leah Schultz usually celebrates Christmas by having dinner and exchanging /opening presents with her family, grandparents and cousins. This year the Schultz’s might skip seeing their cousins because there are 4 of them, totaling to a gathering greater than 10 people. They also may have to wear masks inside. Leah’s favorite tradition is stockings because “because they are little presents that don't cost much, kind of like little trinkets or things you may need but only cost 3-5 dollars.” Her favorite Christmas memory is their first Christmas they spent with their now 4 year old dog. “We gave him a wrapped present and it was fun to watch him run around with it.” Leah’s favorite Christmas tree was a large tree with an abundance of decorations that she enjoyed. Her favorite food to indulge in on Christmas is the rolls! Leah’s favorite Christmas decoration is, “ a big heart ornament I got from the church when I was baptized as a child, it's my favorite because the pastor had them custom made with my name.” Leah is asking for more decorations for her room, since she is redoing it and “would just like things to add to the atmosphere.” Heather Thrope usually spends her Christmas at her grandparent’s house on her mom’s side of the family, which is also her favorite Christmas tradition. She enjoys going there because “I get to see a lot of family that I wouldn't normally see or that I don't spend a lot of time with .” Lilly Coonradt gets together with her close family and opens presents for Christmas. Her favorite tradition is eating a big dinner because her grandpa is a fantastic cook. Lily’s favorite memory is her grandfather making a huge ham. With food pilled high, her favorite dessert is coconut cream pie! Lily’s favorite decoration is mistletoe because “it’s a funny tradition.” This year for Christmas , Lily wants a cat. Mr. Solan and his wife usually stay home on Christmas. Before they sit down to a nice breakfast, they open presents. Sometimes, after eating an early dinner, they go to the movies. This year they will not being doing anything different because Mr.Solan’s mother in-law usually comes over and his brother lives out of state. Mr. Solan’s favorite Christmas tradition is “Every year for Christmas, my grandmother would buy us ornaments for Christmas so when we got older, we would have enough for our own Christmas tree. My mother has done the same for our kids.” His favorite memory was when he lived in Germany and went to the Christkindlmarkt in Mainz because “it is so beautiful in Germany during the holidays.” Mr. Solan says his tree is “the best:” since it holds ornaments from thier childhoods. Kolaczkis are his favorite Christmas cookie. Kilaczkis are a Polish cookie. “We aren't Polish, but these cookies are awesome.” This year Mr. Solan wants the ability to travel again as his Christmas wish. Mrs. King and her family spends Christmas Eve in Utica at her in-law’s house and on Christmas day, she spends the day at her parents and grandparent’s house. This year, however, she will probably stay home and facetime her family members. Her favorite Christmas is “When we were born, my mom embroidered stockings for my sister and me. "Santa" still fills our stockings every year and my parents deliver the filled stockings to my sister and to me.” Mrs. King’s favorite Christmas memory was when her daughter was four years old and received pink glitter sneakers from Mrs. Matthews and her daughters. “Her over the top joyous reaction to these shoes is definitely one of my favorite Christmas memories.” Her favorite Christmas tree was not her favorite because of the decorations but because their new kitten, Snowflake, made a spot under the tree his favorite napping spot. “I don't really remember the decorations, but the kitten curled up for a snooze under the tree is burned into my memory.” said Mrs. King . Every year, Mrs. King’s mother makes oatmeal chocolate chip no– bake drop cookies. “I could eat them by the plateful.” exclaims Mrs. King. Her favorite decoration is a Christmas plate that they have been using to give Santa cookies and reindeer carrots since her daughter was a toddler. Mrs. King’s teakettle rusting away and as a avid tea-drinker, she would like a new one for Christmas. Morgan Holsinger celebrates Christmas at her aunt's house with their whole family. “We share gifts and have brunch. On Christmas Eve, we host a party at our house, eat sushi, and play the Chinese gift exchange with our older family members.” Morgan may go to her Aunt’s house but is planning to stay home. She will not see much if any of her family. Morgan’s favorite tradition is the Chinese Gift Exchange. “It is really fun and it usually includes one of my uncles always getting a tool set and car wash tickets.” Morgan said. Her favorite memory is decorating her Grandma’s Christmas tree. Morgan loves her Christmas tree because “My tree is covered from head to toe in all different colors. There are Santa clauses, Irish ornaments, sparkly ones, lights wrapped around it, tinsel, and more.” All the food is delicious but Morgan eats on Christmas but she especially enjoys Christmas cookies and eggnog. Morgan would like a wooden spoon and reusable items for Christmas. Since it is his birthday, Mr. O’Rourke hosts Christmas with his wife. His kids and wife’s family comes. Mr. O’Rourke is not sure on his Christmas plans this year, it all depends on the pandemic. His son is deployed in Korea, his father-in-law recently passed away and his mother-in-law moved to Virginia, most likely making for a quiet Christmas with just Mr. and Mrs. O. Mr. O’Rourke’s favorite tradition is cooking Christmas dinner because “I love to cook, especially fancy meals, plus its my birthday dinner.” His favorite dessert is Eggnog Pie especially since it is a scrumptious family recipe. Mr. Miller spends Christmas with his immediate family and extended family. This year they will celebrate with their closest family but “probably will not be physically together with the extended family. We'll probably do a zoom.” Mr. Miller’s favorite Christmas tradition is opening presents on Christmas morning because “the kids (used to) get so excited. “ his favorite Christmas memory was when he was kid. “Coming downstairs and seeing the tree lit up with all of the presents under it. “ said Mr. Miller. His favorite food to eat on Christmas is “Cookies... real Christmas cookies.” Mr. Miller would like “time alone to just sit and relax with nothing to do” for Christmas this year. Senora Solan spends Christmas either at home of with friends and family or traveling to see friends and family. Due to the Coronavirus, they will not be traveling this year and will Facetime and Google Meet their friends and family members. Senora Solan’s favorite Christmas tradition is the Christmas Pickle because “it creates excitement and some friendly competition.” Her favorite memory is Christmas singalongs at her Aunt’s and Uncle’s house. Senora Solan’s favorite Christmas food is Sour Milk cookies. She “loves Christmas lights! They make the whole neighborhood a little bit brighter!” For Christmas, Senora Solan wishes for “Everyone to stay happy and healthy for the New Year. “ Hayly Martinez goes to church on Christmas and this year her family has yet to determine plans. Her favorite thing to eat on Christmas is cookies. Her favorite decorations is a Christmas tree because “it reminds me of the family being together.” For Christmas, she would like a camera. Mr. Hyland has his brother, children and grandchildren over for Christmas. All three his kids wear matching pajamas and his dog gets dressed up to! Due to the pandemic, only his son will be coming home. His favorite Christmas tradition is going to the Movie Tavern between Christmas and New Years because “it's fun to be together and going to the movies is always a treat!” Mr. Hyland’s favorite memory from Christmas is “When I was 5 years old, I wanted a GI Joe doll REALLY bad. On Christmas morning, we opened our gifts and no GI Joe! I did get a big guy's desk for my room. When I opened the drawer on the desk, there was GI Joe! Sheer joy!” He loves any real tree because of their fragment fresh pine smell. Mr. Hyland’s favorite food to eat on Christmas is Norwegian cookie his mother used to bake when he was a kid. This Mr. Hyland wants ‘The end of the virus!” for Christmas. Mr. Stanton celebrates Christmas with friends and family, “enjoying favorite foods.” Mr. Stanton and his family intend to celebrate Christmas the way they typically do. His favorite tradition is “decorating the Christmas tree.” Mr. Stanton’s favorite Christmas memory is “watching my kids excitement Christmas morning .” The entire Christmas Eve feast is Mr. Stanton’s favorite. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, Mr. Stanton said “for COVID to end.” Mrs. Hunter joins her siblings and their kids, who are mostly married with kids at her older brothers house. His house accommodates the tremendous amount of people. “There has been as many as 45-50 people in years past & the family is still growing!!!” said Mrs. Hunter. It is definite that their festivities will not be the same this year. Mrs. Hunter and her family are not sure how to carry on their annual Christmas traditions or just stay home, “It all depends on what is happening as it gets closer to that time.” Mrs. Hunter’s favorite tradition is playing the game Taboo. “We sit in a huge circle in my brothers family room...female, male- every other chair, girls vs. guys. It gets very competitive as the guys try to beat us every year (they try to cheat...lol) but we girls rule!!!!” she explains. Mrs. Hunter’s favorite holiday memory is the Christmas Eve that her mother-in-law was in a hospital bed in the family room set by the Christmas tree. “She felt bad that she had to be in her pajamas so we all surprised her and wore our festive pajamas, too!. She was so happy, it brought a huge smile to her face!! She has since passed and we still carry on the tradition of wearing our festive PJ's in her honor!!” continued Mrs. Hunter. She loves the white lights and the multi-colored tree topper adorning the tree. Mrs. Hunter has some nostalgic ornaments that are memories from past years as well as numerous color bulbs and is finished off with bows. Mrs. Hunter’s favorite part of their families main course is the ham and lasagna. “Homemade Christmas cookies are my favorite dessert!!! My mom baked cookies every year and made cookie trays to share with others, that tradition has carried on throughout our family.” Her favorite decoration is a unique ornament that was made by a friend because it was made “with a piece of silverware from my deceased parents set. It has each of their birthstones on it with a beautiful Swarovski iridescent star.” Mrs. Hunter wants her family to be “happy, healthy and safe” this year. Mrs. MacLachlan celebrates Christmas by; “On Christmas Eve we go to mass and then dinner including the feast of the 7 fishes with extended family. Christmas Day is my sister's birthday. We open presents with both families and celebrate her birthday as well. “ This year her family will not be seeing extended family or visiting their houses. Mrs. MacLachlan favorite Christmas tradition is the Feast of the 7 Fishes eaten on Christmas Eve because “it’s a big Italian celebration and I enjoy being with my family and obviously eating.” Her favorite Christmas memory is opening presents on Christmas Eve with her grandparents. On Mrs. MacLachlan’s Christmas tree holds lots of blue lights which she loves. Her favorite food is Italian Christmas cookies because “I make them with my family the week of Christmas and it's a lot of fun doing this together.” Putting up her blue Christmas lights because “it reminds me of my grandfather's house.” This year, she wishes everyone has health and safety for Christmas. Thank you to everyone who filled out the Christmas Poll! Your submissions were very much appreciated! Merry Christmas!
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